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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has voiced his opposition to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's revived congestion pricing plan, which proposes a reduced daily congestion fee of $9, down from $15. The plan aims to reduce traffic and fund transit improvements in Manhattan, but Governor Murphy argues it unfairly targets New Jersey residents.
The congestion pricing plan would require motorists to pay a $9 toll when entering certain parts of Manhattan known as the Congestion Relief Zone, which includes Lower Manhattan south of 60th Street and Midtown. Governor Murphy has criticized the plan as a means to extract money from New Jersey residents to alleviate the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) debt. He also expressed concerns about the timing of the plan, citing the current economic strain and inflation affecting Americans nationwide.
In a statement, Murphy said, "I urge Governor Hochul to reconsider the plan,” adding that his administration will continue to fight it in court.
The congestion pricing plan, which was paused by Governor Hochul last June due to concerns that a $15 fee was too high, is set to take effect in January, provided city and state officials sign an agreement with transportation officials in the Biden Administration.